Emperors Palace Classic a true success

Gauteng cyclist flocked to Emperors Palace to take part in the eighth instalment of the Emperors Palace Classic on Saturday and Sunday.

Billed as “The race of dreams”, it included both road riders and mountain bikers.

The event started with the 20km and 40km off-road races on the Saturday, followed by the 50km and 102km road races on Sunday.

Sunday included the ever-popular Emperors Palace Children’s Classic, which catered for youngsters aged between two and eight.

The Circuit Spectacular again brought the curtain down on the weekend’s racing programme.

Supporters witnessed top-class, European-style racing as promised by organiser Wynand de Villiers, of ASG Events.

This year the Circuit Spectacular and the children’s races were moved to a more visible and accessible spot, which allowed spectators to get in on the action.

Once again riders got the experience and excitement of riding in the shadow of the aircraft on the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport.

Former national road champion Christoff van Heerden, of Kitchen Bar, won the Emperors Palace Mountain Bike Classic, that was held on Saturday.

Herman Fouché‚ took his second Emperors Palace Classic road race title on Sunday.

Ryan Gibbons was just a second behind Fouché‚ with Tyler Day a further second back.

The country’s top sprinters made a show in the Emperors Palace Circuit Spectacular Criterium, later in the day.

Westvaal’s Ryan Felgate (19) took victory in the Circuit Spectacular, saying: “Racing is always hard and we had one of the best riders here, but I like this kind of racing and I am always up for it.

“You just had to be careful at the bends, but other than that it was good.”

Van Heerden claimed the runner-up spot, while junior rider, Alex Parsons, of Team Giant, concluded the podium positions.